Two foreigners go to jail for installing card readers on ATMS
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In an age where technology has become a double-edged sword, it's crucial to stay vigilant about various scams.
One scam recently came to light after authorities caught two individuals who were stealing information through illegal means.
Two Romanian nationals were caught using thin metal devices called 'shimmers' in different ATMs across Sydney and Melbourne.
These shimmers are inserted into the card reading slots, waiting for unsuspecting victims.
As bank customers insert their cards, the shimmers read and clone the information from the cards' magnetic strips and chips.
In a joint investigation triggered by suspicious packages from the United Kingdom, the United States and China, The Australian Federal Police discovered that these packages contained the same shimmers used in the scam.
The investigation also revealed information about the Romanian nationals behind this scheme.
Several CCTV footage caught them installing the devices in various ATMs.
They subsequently use the stolen information to withdraw or transfer money from the victims' bank accounts.
The authorities' search of a Rhodes address in Sydney led to the seizure of $12,935 in cash, multiple shimming devices, false documents, electronic devices, card readers, and SIM cards.
The 34-year-old Romanian national pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of devices used to obtain financial information, dealing with proceeds of crime, and dishonestly dealing with financial information.
He was sentenced to four years and two months in jail, with a non-parole period of two years and six months.
He also faced charges related to false documents and giving false information.
His accomplice, a 33-year-old woman, also pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment.
However, the woman is eligible for parole in February 2025.
Following their sentences, both individuals should be deported to Romania.
This incident reminds us of the importance of keeping personal and financial information safe.
Scammers are constantly devising new methods to access our funds, and it's essential to know the telltale signs of scams.
For compromised ATMs, look for any unusual attachments on the machine's card slot or keypads.
Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
If an ATM seems suspicious, trust your instincts and find another machine.
Furthermore, regularly check bank statements and set up alerts for unusual activities to prevent unauthorised transactions.
If you fell victim to a scam, report the incident to your bank immediately for card replacements and other safety measures.
Have you ever encountered a suspicious ATM or experienced card fraud? Share your stories and safety tips with us in the comments below to help others stay protected.
One scam recently came to light after authorities caught two individuals who were stealing information through illegal means.
Two Romanian nationals were caught using thin metal devices called 'shimmers' in different ATMs across Sydney and Melbourne.
These shimmers are inserted into the card reading slots, waiting for unsuspecting victims.
As bank customers insert their cards, the shimmers read and clone the information from the cards' magnetic strips and chips.
Keep your card and banking information safe from compromised ATMs that may contain shimmers. Image Credit: Pexels/Aimee
In a joint investigation triggered by suspicious packages from the United Kingdom, the United States and China, The Australian Federal Police discovered that these packages contained the same shimmers used in the scam.
The investigation also revealed information about the Romanian nationals behind this scheme.
Several CCTV footage caught them installing the devices in various ATMs.
They subsequently use the stolen information to withdraw or transfer money from the victims' bank accounts.
The authorities' search of a Rhodes address in Sydney led to the seizure of $12,935 in cash, multiple shimming devices, false documents, electronic devices, card readers, and SIM cards.
The 34-year-old Romanian national pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of devices used to obtain financial information, dealing with proceeds of crime, and dishonestly dealing with financial information.
He was sentenced to four years and two months in jail, with a non-parole period of two years and six months.
He also faced charges related to false documents and giving false information.
His accomplice, a 33-year-old woman, also pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment.
However, the woman is eligible for parole in February 2025.
Following their sentences, both individuals should be deported to Romania.
This incident reminds us of the importance of keeping personal and financial information safe.
Scammers are constantly devising new methods to access our funds, and it's essential to know the telltale signs of scams.
For compromised ATMs, look for any unusual attachments on the machine's card slot or keypads.
Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
If an ATM seems suspicious, trust your instincts and find another machine.
Furthermore, regularly check bank statements and set up alerts for unusual activities to prevent unauthorised transactions.
If you fell victim to a scam, report the incident to your bank immediately for card replacements and other safety measures.
